CHSD teachers ask for additional Covid remote teaching options

At least a handful of Valley Stream teachers are asking for additional Covid-19 accommodations from the Central High School District, including an exception for the use of paid sick leave days while awaiting coronavirus test results and the ability to teach remotely while self-isolating.

In a letter of support distributed on Saturday by Anthony Cruz, vice president of publicity and communications for the Central-Memorial PTSA, and addressed to the Central High School District administration and Board of Education, Cruz said he was writing on behalf of Central and Memorial Junior High School parents, students and teachers who “wish to voice opposition to the district’s current policies as it relates to teacher accommodations vis-à-vis the Covid-19 pandemic.” The letter had been co-signed by 146 people as of press time Tuesday, including 12 Central, South and Memorial Junior High School faculty members.

The additional requested accommodations outlined in the letter include:

The ability of all teachers, regardless of medical exemption, to teach from home.

Full pay for those giving remote instruction.

An exemption for the use of paid sick leave for teachers awaiting coronavirus test results, who are self-isolating because of a positive coronavirus test result or who are staying home with a family member who is self-isolating.

A return of or compensation for sick days that teachers were instructed to use.

Cruz, a 2019 Central High graduate, told the Herald that in writing the letter he was operating in an unofficial capacity outside the PTSA, and was prompted to do so after a handful of teachers reached out to him on Friday with their concerns. In addition to reports of teachers who had difficulty obtaining medical exemptions to teach from home and concerns about the use of paid sick leave, Cruz said their chief worry was the inability to teach remotely while awaiting test results or when a teacher tests positive for the coronavirus but is asymptomatic.

“From a teacher’s perspective, it’s them wanting to teach their students,” Cruz said. “Let’s just say a teacher does test positive, so they have to quarantine, but they’re asymptomatic. They’re physically able to do things, but because they’re at home, they’re unable to teach remotely.

“On the students’ side, they’re missing out on that interaction with their teacher, aside from getting assignments from [a substitute], which isn’t teaching,” he continued.

Cruz said the next steps would involve the Valley Stream Teachers Association — the union representing all teachers in Valley Stream — bringing the concerns to the district administration.

VSTA President Richard Adams said discussions with all four of Valley Stream’s school administrations regarding teacher accommodations during the pandemic had begun over the summer, and would continue.

Additionally, although Cruz was not speaking officially for the PTSA, Adams said the group’s assistance was not required at this time.

“The VSTA is always glad to have the support of the PTSA,” he said. “However, in this case, the VSTA did not reach out to the PTSA for support.”

Responding to an inquiry, Dr. Bill Heidenreich, the Central High School District Schools superintendent, issued a statement: “Students and staff are always our top priority. The district adheres to all guidelines and remains in compliance with all Nassau County Department of Health and New York State Education Department requirements for instruction during the Covid-19 pandemic.”